Golden State Warriors: More David Lee, Please!

If you’re the Golden State Warriors, you have no reason to panic, besides being at the mercy of the basketball player in the world averaging 40 points per game (LeBron James). James’ single-handed dominance has willed the Cleveland Cavaliers to two straight wins and what looks to be control of the series. The potent offense that took the league by storm sits at a standstill.

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The backbone of their interiors has lost its versatility and grit. Timofey Mozgov and Tristan Thompson are having a buffet on the offensive and defensive boards. Draymond Green is struggling mightily, shooting an abysmal 26 percent from the field, and Andrew Bogut looks beyond exhausted. He’s only putting up 3.3 points and 7.6 rebounds this series.

The lack of production from those spots created opportunity for a former All-Star in David Lee. While he’s not the exact answer to the Warriors’ woes, his skills may just provide the wrinkle they need to change the pace of the game and get energy in the paint. Tuesday night’s appearance featured some of the things that he can do offensively, especially as a roll-man.

Lee finished with 11 points (more than Bogut has put up all series, only 10 points total) and four rebounds. Lee’s ability to pass, finish around the rim, and effectively run the pick and roll makes the opposing defense make different decisions.

Both Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry shared their sentiment for Lee’s new role in these Finals, speaking with Dan Devine of Yahoo Sports:

"“I mean, [Lee’s] a playmaker, so if they want to trap the pick-and-roll in that situation, getting it to him on the free-throw line and him making plays — whether he’s finishing at the rim, for finding some guys on the wings for open 3s or open shots — that’s what he does,” Curry said.“It was great to see him out there, playing the minutes that he did, and giving us a big spark, especially in that fourth quarter,” he added. “So I assume he’ll have a huge role in our play going forward."

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When Steve Kerr was asked if Lee would see the floor more, he happily obliged:

“Yeah, you’ll see more of David Lee,” Kerr said. “He played really well.”

Curry will certainly benefit if Lee continues to add production. His screening and versatility will soften the blitz of double-teaming that he’s seeing. If Lee can find open teammates and create some switches where Curry can use those dazzling ball-handling skills to either free up for shots or get to the rim. Both events can lead to defensive breakdowns.

The biggest downside to Lee is on the defensive end, but the Warriors aren’t going to stop what’s hurting them (LeBron, LeBron, LeBron!) regardless of who’s in the interior. It’s going to take a collective effort to keep LeBron off of his pivot and the Warriors getting to the boards.

Lee does average 9.5 rebounds per game in his career. In 13 minutes, he did only grab four rebounds, but that number could easily increase with more playing time. Lee is bound to make another difference going forward. The Warriors are hoping his resurgence will be during this desperate time. Right now, they need a desperate man like Lee to spread the feeling around their locker room.

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